Undergraduate Course Descriptions

Note: Newman Theological College courses are offered on a two year rotation. This means that not all courses outlined below are offered in each semester of each year. For further details see the specific course offerings for the current academic year. These Course Offerings Sheets are also available for pickup in the foyer of Student Services on campus.

The B.Th. program is not designed to be taken as a Distance Education program.

Distance education courses at Newman Theological College are held to the same academic standards as on-campus courses.

Every distance education course shall be assessed through the same means as on-campus courses, including an opportunity for students to evaluate the course. All distance education courses include regular opportunities for substantive interaction between professors and learners and among learners. There are opportunities for interaction with the professor at least weekly as part of the course. Additionally, instructors make themselves available to distance education students for individual discussions on an as needed basis via Skype, telephone, etc. In some cases individual tutorials of this nature may be part of the course requirements. When these are mandatory it will be indicated on the course syllabus.

Up to date information on the skills and requirements for Distance Education at Newman Theological College is maintained on the College website under Programs & Courses.

Foundational Theology

Core Courses

FND 100 Early Church History

3 Credits
The historical development of the Church from the second century to the rise of Islam. The relationship of Church and Empire, the beginnings of monasticism, the contributions of women, the development of institutions and doctrine, and the missionary activity of Christians beyond the Greco-Roman World.

FND 101 Medieval Church History

3 Credits
The historical development of the Church in the Medieval Era from the beginning of the eighth century to 1500. Monasticism and religious orders, heretical movements and popular religion, intellectual development, Church and State relations.

FND 102 Modern Church History

3 Credits
The church from the end of the fifteenth century until today. Calls for reform. Key reformers: Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, Cramner. Catholic reforms and the Council of Trent. The Enlightenment and its aftermath: liberalism, anti-clericalism, ultra-montanism and Vatican I. Byzantine churches. Missionary movements and North American Protestantism. The church as global: Latin America, Asia, Africa. Modernism, ecumenism, Vatican II and toward the 21st century.

FND 118 Anglican Tradition

3 CreditsAnglicanism from the 16th century to the present with a view to identifying theological direction and emphasis which have been characteristic of this community. The role played by formularies, representative writers and liturgy in the formation of Anglican self-understanding will be examined. Anglicanism and the ecumenical movement.

Elective Courses

FND 200 Patristic Theology

(Prerequisites: FND 100)

3 Credits
A historical and literary overview of Christian writers and theology from the first to the seventh century. Select fathers in the eastern and western Church, the development of Trinitarian and Christological doctrine, and the emergent western theological tradition will be considered.

FND 203 Medieval Theology

3 Credits
The development of Christian doctrine and of the discipline of theology, as seen in the major themes and thinkers of the Christian middle ages, will be examined in lectures and through the reading of primary and secondary sources.

FND 207 Eastern Christianity

3 Credits
An introduction to the Eastern Christian Churches. Theological, historical and institutional developments. Major themes: the Divine darkness, the Trinitarian God, creation and cosmology, economy of salvation, image and likeness, the Taboric light, deification, spiritual and moral life, ecclesiology, sacramental practice, ecumenical mission. The dialogue among Eastern Catholics, Roman Catholics and the various jurisdictions of the Orthodox world.

FND 213 Protestant Theology

3 Credits
The main theological currents arising in contemporary Protestantism. The distinctive features of Protestant theology in various countries. The thought of select Protestant theologians. Liberalism, Fundamentalism, Ecumenism, Feminist Theology, Liberation Theology.

FND 214 Theology & Culture

3 Credits
The role of theology in contemporary culture. Reflections on approaches and methodology. The contribution of the sciences, the social sciences, philosophy, the arts, and literature to the study of theology.

FND 216 The Church in Canada

3 Credits
The history of Christian presence in Canada from the beginnings in New France to the modern era, with a particular but not exclusive focus on the Roman Catholic experience. The foundations of the Church in Canada, the Church and indigenous people, the Church in Western Canada, the formation of a Canadian theology. Students are urged to have some familiarity with Canadian history in preparation for this course.

FND 230 Christianity and World Religions

3 Credits
Founders of religions and the meaning of religion. Christianity in relation to other religions. An introduction to Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Chinese Religions, and Amerindian Religions. New religious movements. Interfaith dialogue, especially between Christians and Jews.

FND 245 Selected Topics

3 Credits
Varied Course Descriptions

Sacred Scriptures

Core Courses

SCR 100 Introduction to Sacred Scripture and their Interpretation

3 Credits
This course introduces students to the Sacred Scriptures of the Christian faith, their academic study and their interpretation. The various books of the Old and New Testaments of the Catholic Bible are introduced in relation to their historical, cultural, and religious backgrounds, with timely references to geographical and archaeological data. Concurrently, students are introduced to the concepts of biblical inspiration, biblical inerrancy, and the formation of the canon.

This course also includes a seminar that explores the question of the interpretation of scripture with the Mind of the Church, during which key Church documents will be analyzed while some major contributions from the world of academia to the field of biblical interpretation will be considered. The aim is to equip students with a range of exegetical tools and building blocks that will be necessary in subsequent scripture courses in their chosen program, and indeed in their various ministries as exegetes of Sacred Scripture.

SCR 131 Psalms and Wisdom Literature

(Prerequisite: SCR 100)

3 Credits
This course considers the Canonical corpus of the Old Testament traditionally referred to as the Psalms and Wisdom literature (Psalms, Job, Proverbs, Qoheleth/Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Wisdom of Solomon and Sirach/Ecclesiasticus). The Psalter and Wisdom Literature are covered in turn, with specific emphasis given to historical, literary, exegetical and theological questions. In particular, the themes of faith and hope, human condition and suffering, and perceived absence of God, in selected texts form the Psalter and the book of Qoheleth/Ecclesiastes are examined for their contribution to pastoral ethical contemporary issues.

The seminar component of this course will invite students to engage, at a level pertinent to their program of study, with contemporary issues raised by the literature at hand.

SCR 132 The Prophets

(Prerequisite: SCR 100)

3 Credits
This course considers the Canonical corpus of the Old Testament traditionally referred to as the Prophets. The literature is investigated as a distinct body and in relation to the Canon of Scripture, with particular emphasis given to historical (pre-exilic), literary (including text critical), exegetical and theological questions. The relationship between the Israelites and God—as portrayed by the biblical prophets—is explored from the perspective of messianism and ‘new covenant theology’.

The seminar component of this course will invite students to engage, at a level pertinent to their program of study, with contemporary issues raised by the literature at hand.

SCR 151 Matthew and Mark

(Prerequisite: SCR 100)

3 credits
This course considers the Canonical Gospels of Matthew and Mark. Initial considerations of the historical backdrops to these gospels lead to a closer examination of the literature. Both gospels are read in their entirety, with particular attention given to their Christology, Pneumatology, Discipleship, Ecclesiology,
Missiology, Eschatology, and overall theological perspectives within and in relation to the Canon of Scripture.

The seminar component of this course invites students to investigate, at a level pertinent to their program of study, questions arising from a consideration of the interrelationship between the two gospels.

SCR 152 Luke-Acts

(Prerequisite: SCR 100)

3 credits
This course considers the Canonical compositions attributed to St. Luke: the Gospel and the Book of the Acts of the Apostles. An initial consideration of the historical backdrops to these literary compositions leads to a close sequential examination of the Gospel and the Book of Acts. Both works are read in their entirety, with particular attention given to their Christology, Pneumatology, Ecclesiology, Missiology, Eschatology, and overall theological perspectives within and in relation to Salvation History.

The seminar component of this course invites students to investigate, at a level pertinent to their program of study, historical and theological questions arising from a consideration of the Lukan material.

SCR 154 The Synoptic Gospels

(Prerequisite: SCR 100)

3 Credits
This course focuses on the Canonical Gospels of the Synoptic tradition. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are introduced, with particular attention given to their structure, their specific characteristics and historical circumstances, as well as their presentations of Jesus Christ and their teachings on Christian discipleship. This course also includes a seminar, during which students will investigate, at a level pertinent to their program of study, questions arising from a consideration of the interrelationship between the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke.

SCR 155 Pauline Literature

(Prerequisite: SCR 100)

3 Credits
This course considers the epistolary literature of the New Testament attributed to the Apostle Paul. A brief survey of the Apostle’s life and gospel gives way to a close reading of the Pauline Letters. Although all Pauline Epistles will be read (1 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Romans), students will in particular consider central Pauline themes (Christology, Ecclesiology, Soteriology, Pneumatology) as expounded in the First Letter to the Corinthians and the Letter to the Romans.

The seminar component of this course will invite students to engage, at a level pertinent to their program of study, with contemporary issues raised by the literature at hand.

SCR 156 Johannine Literature

(Prerequisite: SCR 100)

3 Credits
This course considers the Canonical literature traditionally attributed to the Fourth Evangelist (Gospel of John; 1, 2 and 3 John, the Book of Revelation). An initial consideration of the milieu from which the Johannine Community/School emanated (date, authorship, and provenance) serves as a backdrop to a closer examination of the literature. The entirety of the Johannine corpus will be read, with particular attention given to the distinctive Christology (Signs, “I AM” Sayings), Pneumatology (the Spirit-Paraclete), Ecclesiology, Missiology, Eschatology, and overall theology of this Canonical body of literature.

The seminar component of this course will invite students to engage, at a level pertinent to their program of study, with contemporary issues raised by the literature at hand.

SCR 163 The Pentateuch and Historical Books

(Prerequisite: SCR 100)

3 Credits
This course considers the Canonical corpus of the Old Testament traditionally referred to as the Pentateuch (the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) and their cognate literature known as the Historical Books (Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah). The literature is investigated as a distinct body and in relation to the Canon of Scripture, with particular emphasis given to historical, literary (including text critical), exegetical and theological questions. The relationship between the Israelites and God—as portrayed by the biblical authors of the Pentateuch and Historical Books —is explored through the theme of covenantal love.

The seminar component of this course will invite students to engage, at a level pertinent to their program of study, with contemporary issues raised by the literature at hand.

Elective Courses

SCR 220 The Old Testament

3 Credits
Formation and interpretation of the Old Testament: biblical inspiration, canonicity, textual criticism, hermeneutics, history, geography and archaeology. Understanding the Old Testament. Study of selected texts from the Pentateuch, Historical Books, Psalms, Wisdom, Prophets, and Deutero-Canonical books of the Old Testament focusing on salvation history and covenant theology.

SCR 226 The Book of Acts and Other New Testament Writings

(Prerequisite: SCR 100)

3 Credits
This course considers the Book of the Acts of the Apostles and the epistolary literature constituted of the Letter to the Hebrews, 1 and 2 Peter, James, and Jude. Central Theological themes (Christology, Ecclesiology, Pneumatology, Soteriology) are identified and expounded.

The Seminar component of this course invites students to engage, at a level pertaining to their particular program of study, with contemporary issues raised by the literature.

SCR 230 The New Testament

3 Credits
Formation and interpretation of the New Testament: biblical inspiration, canonicity, textual criticism, hermeneutics, history, geography and archaeology. Understanding the New Testament. Study of selected texts from the Gospels, Pauline Letters, Catholic Epistles and other NT writings (Acts of the Apostles, Hebrews, etc.).

SCR 245 Selected Topics

3 Credits
Varied course descriptions.

SCR 256 The Bible and Women

(Prerequisite: SCR 100)

3 Credits
Study of the biblical texts which focus on women: the narratives about women's lives, the feminine metaphors for God and the people of God, and the ideals presented for women's lives. Introduction to feminist methods of biblical interpretation.

Systematic Theology

Core Courses

SYT 100 Introduction to Theology

3 Credits
The nature of theology. The relationship between theology and the following: revelation (Scripture and Tradition), spirituality and liturgy, philosophy and the human sciences. Faith and reason. The high points of theology throughout the history of the Church. The importance of theology for the Church. Theology and the teaching office of the Church. Theology and Church before and after Vatican II. Writing skills in theology.

SYT 108 The Theology of Revelation

(Prerequisite: SYT 100)

3 Credits
The modern problem of the compatibility between an authoritative divine revelation and human knowledge, freedom and experience. The development of a “theology of revelation” from Vatican I to Vatican II. Revelation and the Enlightenment. Dei Verbum. Jesus Christ as the revelation of God and humanity. Pluralism and the unity and universality of the Christ event. The Church's teaching on revelation and faith. The Christian act of faith. The question of truth and of on-going revelation.

SYT 110 Liturgical Theology

(Prerequisite: SYT 100)

3 CreditsThe biblical origins of the Christian Liturgy. The development of distinct rites in the Eastern and Western Church with a special attention to the ongoing development of the Roman Rite. The theology of Liturgy as a work of the Trinity, an Action of Christ and the Church. The sanctification of the Year and the Day through the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours. The liturgical movement prior to and following the Second Vatican Council. Cultural, pastoral, and ecumenical considerations.

SYT 114 Introduction to the Sacraments and Christian Initiation

(Prerequisite: SYT 100)

3 Credits
The sacraments of initiation. Their biblical roots and their historical and theological development in the Christian Church. Contemporary revisions, pastoral applications and ecumenical consideration.

SYT 184 Christology

3 Credits
The contemporary problematic in Christology. The claims and challenges posed by Jesus in his preaching and life. His rejection, death and resurrection. Jesus Christ as divine and human. Traditional and contemporary Christologies.

SYT 185 Theology of God

(Prerequisite: SYT 100)

3 Credits
Aspects of the problem of God in the modern era. Preparations for belief in the Trinity in the history of Israel. The Christ event and the Trinity. The Trinity and the early Church Councils. “Explanations” of the Trinity old and new. Special questions regarding the Trinity (the Trinity and the immutability of God, creation, modern science, evil, gender, Christian worship and spirituality). Pneumatology.

SYT 187 Theological Anthropology

(Prerequisite: SYT 100)

3 Credits
The Christian understanding of evolution and of the human person. The origin, the structure and the condition of the person in the world; the relationship of the person to God, to others and to the environment. Sin and the origin of evil. The role of grace and love. The relationship between infinite and finite freedom. Hope and the final end of the person.

SYT 188 Ecclesiology

(Prerequisite: SYT 100)

3 Credits
The Church before and after Vatican II. The vision of the Church underlying the basic biblical images (People of God, Body of Christ, Temple of the Holy Spirit). The Church as constituted by the Word of God. The Church as constituted by the Word made flesh. The Church and holiness (including Mariology). The Church as one and apostolic. The Church and the world.

Elective Courses

SYT 200 Understanding Catholicism

(Prerequisite: SYT 100)

3 Credits
Topics in the understanding of the Roman Catholic faith.

SYT 212 Reconciliation and the Pastoral Care of the Sick and Dying

(Prerequisite: SYT 100)

3 Credits
Sin and conversion, sickness and healing in Scripture. The historical and doctrinal development of these sacraments within the Christian tradition. The liturgical celebration of these sacraments and the Order of Christian Funerals, together with pastoral and ecumenical considerations.

SYT 243 The Holy Eucharist

(Prerequisites: SYT 100 and SYT 114)

3 Credits
A historical, scriptural, theological and liturgical study of the Eucharist, examining the development of the Church’s understanding of this Sacrament and its relation to the Pascal Mystery through five main periods: New Testament, Patristic, Scholastic, Modern and Contemporary. It reviews the emergence of the Eastern and Western rites, with special attention to the Roman Rite, examining the structure of the Eucharistic prayer and its theological underpinnings.

SYT 245 Selected Topics

3 Credits
Varied course description.

SYT 250 The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

(Prerequisites: SYT 100)

3 Credits
The background to the resurrection in the Hebrew Scriptures and Intertestamental literature. The preaching of the resurrection-exaltation in the New Testament. The tomb appearance narratives. The relationship between the cross-resurrection and Trinity, the Church and Mary. The credibility of the resurrection.

SYT 255 Contemporary Issues in Christology and Theology of God

(Prerequisites: SYT 100)

3 Credits
The Christologies of some of the major theologians: Barth, Bultmann, Pannenberg, Moltmann, Schillebeeckx, liberation theologians, Rahner, von Balthasar. Specific issues in relation to God: atheism, secularization, gender in God, the suffering of God.

SYT 257 Ecumenism

(Prerequisites: SYT 100)

3 Credits
History of the ecumenical movement. Ecumenical dialogue between the Roman Catholic and the Eastern, Anglican and Protestant Churches. Ecumenical activities and dialogues in Canada. Models of Christian unity. Liturgical convergence. Christian-Jewish relations.

SYT 260 Key Theologians: Hans Urs Von Balthasar

(Prerequisites: SYT 100)

3 Credits
Central themes in his theology and spirituality. Influences on his thought.

SYT 261 Key Theologians: Karl Rahner

(Prerequisites: SYT 100)

3 Credits
Central themes in his theology and spirituality. Influences on his thought.

SYT 290 God and Humanity in Film

(Prerequisites: SYT 100)

3 Credits
An analysis and discussion of various North American and European films. The relationship between God and the human person, love and hate, good and evil, truth and falsehood, beauty and sin. A study of how film reflects or does not reflect the values of western society and/or the Church.

Moral-Pastoral-Spiritual Theology

Core Courses

MPS 100 Introduction to Pastoral Theology

3 Credits
Biblical and historical roots of pastoral theology; theological foundations; current understanding; initial exploration of a theology of ministry and the study of specific ministries; introduction to theological reflection; formation for ministry.

MPS 120 Introduction to Moral Theology

3 Credits
The basic elements of moral theology since Vatican II. Biblical and theological themes that define the person in Christ. The Christian meaning of sin, virtue, conscience, law and moral discernment. The Christian experience of conversion and reconciliation in the way of discipleship.

MPS 122 The Social Teaching of the Church

3 Credits
The roots of social justice in the tradition. Major themes in the social teaching documents of the Church. Social teaching in the Canadian/North American church. Social justice, ministry and evangelization. Liberation theology. Social analysis as a tool for Christian ministry.

MPS 130 Theology of Ministry

3 Credits
Origins of Christian community and relationship with the mission of the Church. The meaning and development of ordained ministry as well as history of lay ministry and the relationship between the two. Current issues and ecumenical initiatives. Contemporary models of collaboration in ministry.

MPS 139 Theological Field Education

6 Credits
An introductory practicum consisting of a ministry placement under individual supervision, related classes, and theological reflection in groups on the experience gained. Students must meet with the Director of Field Education at the beginning of their 2nd academic year on the B.Th. program in order to schedule for an assessment and ministry placement.

Students have three options:

MPS 139ab – To do a year-long ministry placement with a concurrent theological reflection session during the 3rd academic year.

To complete a Clinical Pastoral Education(C.P.E.) unit during the summer followed by a Theological Reflection Seminar (MPS 139b) in the Fall semester of the 3rd academic year. Copy of the C.P.E. certificate must be provided to the Director of Field Education and Registrar in order to receive transfer credit for MPS 139a which accounts for the practicum component of Field Education.

MPS 139P – To take a full pastoral internship year at the parish with supervision followed by a Theological Reflection Seminar (MPS 139b) in the following Fall semester. This option is available to seminary students. Students register for MPS139P for the Fall of internship year and then MPS139b in the following Fall.

Registration for all three options of MPS 139 requires formal approval by the Field Education Director.

MPS 170 Introduction to Spiritual Theology

3 Credits
Definitions and understandings of spirituality. Examination of its biblical foundations. Development of spirituality as a discipline of theology. Theological and anthropological dimensions of Christian faith and spirituality. Introduction to the classical spiritual writers, schools of spirituality and contemporary forms of spirituality. The theology and practice of prayer, spiritual discernment and asceticism.

Elective Courses

MPS 225 Bioethics: Moral Issues from the Life Sciences

(Prerequisite: MPS 120 Recommended: SYT 187)

3 Credits
Basic human and Christian values at stake. The rapid development in medical technologies and the growing complexity of the moral issues involved. From extensive case studies, an attempt to develop adequate models for moral evaluation and pastoral counselling.

MPS 229 Married Love and Sexuality in the Christian Tradition

(Recommended: SYT 187)

3 Credits
The human dimensions of love and sexuality. The religious meaning of human sexuality in the Judeo-Christian tradition, with special reference to Christian marriage. Issues raised by the contemporary sexual revolution. Doctrinal, liturgical, moral, pastoral, sacramental and spiritual dimensions of Christian marriage.

MPS 233 Practice of Ministry

3 Credits
The basic responsibilities, skills and attitudes of ministry today, particularly in the parish context. These include: understanding the parish reality today and its pastoring; working with Parish Councils and Finance Committees; sacramental preparation; collaborative ministry and team building; conflict resolution; spirituality for today's ministry; pastoral approaches to today’s youth; self-care for ministers; and some other practical issues for today’s effective ministry in parishes.

MPS 235 Introduction to Church Law

3 Credits
Role of law in the Church today. The development of Canon Law. Ecclesiastical laws and the people of God. Revision of Church Law.

MPS 236 Ministry Among the Suffering

3 Credits
The theory and practice of ministry among various groups of suffering people (e.g. the sick, the dying, the handicapped, those with addictions, victims of violence, and the homeless). There will be an emphasis on learning methods and techniques of caring. This will be achieved by means of case studies, role playing, and personal reflection.

MPS 240 Christian Religious Education

3 Credits
Religious and faith development in children, youth and adults with attention to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the General Directory for Catechesis and current catechetical programs. An introduction to teaching skills with emphasis on sacramental preparation, youth ministry, and adult religious learning.

MPS 245 Selected Topics

3 Credits
Varied course description.

MPS 266 Marriage: Canonical Issues

(Prerequisite: MPS 235)

3 Credits
The place and importance of matrimonial legislation in Church law. General principles, Laws governing preliminaries to marriage, impediments, consent, canonical form, time and place of marriage, effects. Convalidation. Separation of spouses. Second marriages. Pastoral care of the divorced and remarried.

MPS 269 Classic Christian Spiritualities

(Prerequisite: MPS 170)

3 Credits
Definition of Spirituality and its relationship to Theology. Examination of the biblical foundations including the Jewish context and the connection to the Greek contemplative ideal. Early period to include Origen, the Desert Tradition, early monasticism, Gregory of Nyssa, Evagrius Pontius, and Pseudo Dionysius. The spiritualities of the Middle Ages including Bernard of Clairvaux, the Franciscans, Meister Eckhart, and Julian of Norwich. The course will culminate in spiritualities of St. Ignatius (Ignatian), St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila (Carmelite).

MPS 274 The Concept of Christian Faith

3 Credits
This course begins with a consideration of a prevailing view of Christian Faith as separate from and opposed to human reason, the difficulties with this view and its historical background. The course then examines a variety of views of Christian faith found in Sacred Scripture and Christian tradition, along with 19th and20th century philosophical and theological works that influence the notion of faith, and works toward a view that incorporates the important insights of each.

MPS 275 Spiritual Direction

(A preliminary interview with the instructor is required for admission to the course)

3 Credits
The course deals with the meaning, foundations and principles of spiritual direction in the Church’s tradition. It examines the Biblical foundations and historical development of spiritual direction and its relation to a person’s growth in faith, in prayer and in the Christian life. It will explore some practical aspects of the ministry of spiritual direction and look at the qualities required for those called to this ministry.

MPS 279 Contemporary Spiritualities

(Recommended: MPS 170)3 Credits
Fundamental notions of contemporary spirituality and faith. Biblical roots of Christian spirituality. Dimensions of an holistic spirituality. Contemporary spiritual figures and recent spiritual movements. Dimensions of contemporary spiritualities, both Christian and non-Christian. The spirituality of major contemporary theologians. The contributions of the pure and social sciences to spirituality. Prayer, conversion and discipleship.

MPS 280 The Practice of Christian Ritual

(Prerequisite: SYT 110 or SYT 114)3 Credits
Theological and pastoral principles for presiding within the liturgical assembly. A practicum for presiding at sacramental liturgies and other cities.

MPS 281 Theology and Practice of Preaching

3 Credits
Theology of the Word of God. Theological and pastoral principles of preaching. A practicum for preaching.

MPS 282 Ritual in the Anglican Tradition

3 Credits
Theological and pastoral principles for presiding within the liturgical assembly. A practicum for presiding at sacramental liturgies.

MPS 283 Preaching in the Anglican Tradition

3 Credits
Theology o

MPS 284 Theology and Spirituality of Icons

3 Credits
This course will explore the background to the Eastern Christian doctrine concerning icons, including the iconoclast controversy, the patristic writings in defense of icons, and the 7th Ecumenical Council. We will examine the symbolism and meaning of many of the most well-known icons in their details and investigate how icons are made use of liturgically and in our spirituality. The course will also explore the actual process of painting icons with a professional iconographer.

MPS 286 Introduction to Pastoral Counselling

3 Credits
An introduction of the basic issues involved in the ministry of pastoral counselling. Emphasis on heightening the students' understanding of theory, skills, personal maturity and related ethical issues.